There are many different ways that people in the Houston area get to where they are going. Many drive their personal vehicles such as cars or pick-up trucks. Others use buses and other forms of public transportation to go places. Others ride motorcycles. Some may also ride their bicycle or simply walk to their destination. There is another option that has become increasingly popular though and that is using various ride-sharing services.
There are different services that people use, but the most popular two are Uber and Lyft. People who use these services may have the convenience of not having to actually drive, but they need to rely on the driver to drive safely. They are still on the roads as well, which means that there is a chance that they may be involved in a motor vehicle accident. If they are in an accident, they could be injured as well, requiring significant medical treatment and causing them to change aspects of their lives as they recover.
Determining who is liable for passenger injuries
People injured in these accidents may be entitled to compensation for the injuries, but where the compensation comes from depends on the factors leading to the accident.
- Caused by the ride-sharing driver – If the driver has their app turned on as accepting a passenger and in transit, Uber and Lyft have $1 million policies that may cover injuries caused by the Uber or Lyft driver.
- Caused by another driver – If it was another driver’s fault, then their insurance company may be liable for the compensation.
- Lack of insurance – There is also a chance that the passenger may need to use their own uninsured motorist coverage to receive the full amount of compensation.
There is a number of factors to consider when in an accident as a passenger of a ride-sharing service in Texas. It starts with determining who was at fault for the accident. That will determine which insurance company may be liable. However, that usually is just the start of the process, and receiving the proper compensation can be complicated and difficult. Experienced attorneys understand how insurance companies work and may be able to help one become whole after an accident.
